Topic outline

  • Welcome to Researching Space 2019!


    How to design spaces that evoke meaningful multi-sensory experiences and intuitively guide us in our everyday activities? How to apply scenario-based, human-centred and concept level design in space?


    Content and objectives of the course

    The Researching Space course (10 cr) at Aalto ARTS, Department of Architecture in spring 2019 (study period V) introduces research-based approaches and methods for analysis and design of space. Focus is particularly on human-centred, collaborative and conceptual design as applied to space. We focus on four topical themes in design studies and practice, each with specific methods and approaches. The goal is to gain an understanding of the themes in the context of spatial design. The themes are approached through lectures, readings and weekly design assignments.

    • Design exploration and foresight
    • Human-centred design and co-design
    • Design for experiences, interaction and behaviour
    • Strategic and concept design in space

    There is a study case combining space and services that changes yearly. Student teams map the current state and future trends in the topic area and research the user needs, identify a specific design problem to focus on, generate alternative solution concepts and produce a detailed, realistic concept description of the most viable concept. Along the way, they learn about and rehearse the utilisation of various research-based approaches and methods that are relevant to spatial designers.

    The learning objectives are:
    • We get familiar with current research topics and approaches in spatial design.
    • We learn to apply systematic, research based methods in the spatial design process. 
    • We learn team working and argumentation skills and critical design thinking.




    Design brief in 2019: Experiential spatial concepts with interactive surfaces

    In 2019, the course is organised in collaboration with KONE Corporation, a global manufacturer of elevators and escalators and enabler of people’s journeys in space and the built environment. Our design brief is to create experiential spatial concepts to meet emerging lifestyles, behaviours and technologies in four alternative future scenarios. The focus is particularly on interactive surfaces embedded in buildings. The project comprises a user study with real users. We will utilise an interactive prototype as part of the user studies. The aim of the user studies is to recognise relevant and meaningful contexts, experiences, behaviours and needs that could be better supported by spatial design. The physical focus is on common spaces in mixed-use buildings, such as lobbies and hallways. The project is supported by the design researchers from KONE.


    Course details and practicalities
    • The course comprises lectures and reading activities, a small user study,
      and a c      oncept design project done in groups.
    • Workload is 10 ects = 270 study hours, of which 70 contact teaching.
    • The course starts on Wed 17th April and ends on Wed 29 May 2019.
    • Teaching hours are Wednesdays between 9:15–16 and Fridays between 9:15–14/15.
    • Detailed schedule will be published in MyCourses by the beginning of the course.
    • Location most days is Otakaari 1, room U401 or U405a.
    • Some sessions are held in KONE headquarters in Keilasatama 3, Espoo.


    Responsible teacher

    Antti Pirinen
    Dr., University Lecturer
    Spatial and Service Design
    Aalto ARTS, Dept. of Architecture
    antti.pirinen@aalto.fi
    +358-40-5300828

    Other teachers & partners include:
    University Teacher Esa Vesmanen, Aalto ARTS
    Expert, Design Research and Concepts Jaana Hyvärinen, KONE
    Senior Design Researcher Susanne Jacobson, KONE

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    • Assignment icon
      Final reflection paper > DL 5 June at noon Assignment
      Not available unless: You are a(n) Student

      Write a 1-2 paper reflection where you summarise your key learnings and reflections from the course.
      Also evaluate your own contribution and how the groupwork succeeded.